Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PROPHET AND PRIEST, by SAMUEL VALENTINE COLE



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PROPHET AND PRIEST, by                    
First Line: Two selves I am: unlike these seem to be
Last Line: And life of god.
Subject(s): Prophecy & Prophets


TWO selves I am: unlike these seem to be
As west and east:
One is the prophet in me, as in thee,
And one the priest.

The prophet lets the future mould his plan;
The priest the past:
The prophet marches in the column's van;
The priest comes last.

The prophet takes the spirit for a guide;
The priest his book:
One learns the truth that brushes by his side;
One does not look.

The prophet lifts his heart up when he prays;
The priest his hands:
The prophet, acting, thinks; the priest obeys,
Nor understands.

The prophet, preaching, keeps the goal in view;
The priest his creed:
The prophet stirs; the priest, when words are through,
Forgets the deed.

Something the prophet suffers—scorn of lip,
Or stroke of rod—
But gains the vision, wins the fellowship
And life of God.





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